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February 17, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, NJ, is pleased to announce new RWJUH Hamilton Foundation Board leaders and members, who assumed their new roles in January 2021. Yolanda Zaffutti Stinger, formerly the Foundation Board’s Vice Chair, ascended to the position of Chair; Foundation Board member Mary Pucciarelli took on the role of Vice Chair; and the Board welcomed two new members, Ryan Kennedy and Christina Spinelli.

Lifelong Hamilton resident Yolanda Zaffutti Stinger has been a committed member of the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation for over a decade; as Vice Chair, she was a natural fit for the Chair position. In addition to her work with RWJUH Hamilton, Stinger is involved in a variety of other community-oriented organizations.  “Giving back to the community is so important to me,” she says.

In her new role as Vice Chair, Mary Pucciarelli of Brielle, NJ, a decade-long Foundation Board member, enthusiastically continues her dedication to the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation, which supports the programs and patients of the hospital. “I’ve been so proud,” says Pucciarelli of her tenure with the Foundation, “to work with so many people from the Hamilton community.”

New Board members Ryan Kennedy of Hopewell Borough, NJ, and Christina Spinelli of Hamilton, NJ – a former member of the hospital’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) – are enthusiastic about their upcoming efforts on behalf of the Foundation, as well. With the ascensions of Stinger and Pucciarelli to their new positions and the additions Kennedy and Spinelli, the Foundation Board will continue its work to contribute to the evolution of RWJUH Hamilton in order to best serve its community.  Former Foundation Board Chair and Chair-elect of the hospital Board, Nina Melker, says, “I know we have built a strong Foundation Board. These changes will continue to bring us forward and help us grow.”

February 17, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The City of Trenton, in collaboration with Isles Inc., a nonprofit community development and environmental organization that works to foster self-reliance and healthy, sustainable communities, will soon launch a multi-service electric vehicle program to improve resident mobility and increase access to jobs, healthcare, and new opportunities while addressing public health challenges imposed by greenhouse gases and air pollution.

The program seeks to provide transportation services in three phases:

• An electric carsharing service that will allow residents to rent vehicles for designated periods.
• An electric ridesharing service that will hire local drivers, support local businesses and improve residents’ mobility and access to essential resources.
• An electric shuttle service that will connect residents to jobs and create a network of community organizations to expand social, health, and financial services.

The project includes modifying infrastructure for Trenton and installing charging stations at site locations, identified in partnership with the City of Trenton Planning Board. The installation of these charging stations also received unanimous support by City Council on April 2, 2020.

This ambitious project has been possible due to collaboration with ChargEVC, the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, and Environment New Jersey. These statewide organizations were awarded an opportunity to workshop an e-mobility project with Rocky Mountain Institute. The workshop brought together brainpower from all over the country to help chart a plan to make Trenton’s e-mobility a reality. Today, the project is one step closer thanks to support from the Murphy Administration and the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which recently announced awards of $883,000 to support the project.

According to the Trenton 250 Master Plan, approximately 30 percent of Trenton households are car-free, and 21 percent of residents reported relying on carpooling as a primary mode of transportation for commuting to work. While the program is open to all, its development will prioritize providing reliable and affordable transportation options to low-income residents who may not have access to a personal vehicle.

“We are thrilled to work with Isles on addressing what has historically been one of our community’s greatest challenges,” said Mayor Gusciora. “Many of our residents lack reliable transportation, which prevents them from accepting employment opportunities, getting their children to school on time, or even seeing a healthcare provider. I believe this project will meaningfully address those needs and possibly serve as a model for other cities to follow. I’d like to also thank ChargEVC, the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, Environment New Jersey and the NJDEP for lending critical expertise and funding for the project.”

“I’m so excited to see this program launched here in Trenton; we know from many years of community meetings and engaging residents in various plans that access to transportation is a major challenge for Trentonians,” said Dan Fatton, Chair of the City of Trenton Planning Board. “This program provides one solution to that problem and the City can expand access to clean transportation options, giving people more options to get around without increasing pollution.”

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June 7, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville came together for a night of unity as several faith leaders prayed, and talked about current events, intolerance and racism. The event held at the Town Center Gazebo was a cooperative event between Robbinsville Township and Robbinsville’s Faith Leadership. Participants were encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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April 23, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–NJ PBA Local 105 and NJ Department of Corrections has reported that Correctional Police Officer Maria Gibbs has lost her battle with the coronavirus. A total of 3 corrections officers have been lost in NJ bringing the police total to 9 known police officers who have fallen to this terrible disease.

List of first responders in NJ who have passed of COVID-19 if made public.

 As of 4/23/2020 not all families make COVID-19 deaths public. I know of a few that did not want public and are not listed. If you know of any that need to be included use contact link above and send in information with verification.

Firefighters:

March 2020

March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS**Also listed under EMS has 2 jobs.

April 2020

April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3  Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.***

April 15, 2020 Michael Burke, Singac Fire Company #3, Little Falls Fire Department

April 16, 2020 Richard Campbell, Edison Fire Department

April 16, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown, Port Monmouth Fire Company and Middletown First Aid Squad

April 18, 2020 David Clark, Bay Head Fire Company

Police:

April 2020

April 1, 2020 Bernard Waddell, Sr., Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Correction Officer.

April 3, 2020 Tolbert A. Furr, Newark Police Department.

April 9, 2020 Nelson Perdomo, NJ Department of Corrections, East Jersey State Prison, Avenel, Woodbridge.

April 12, 2020 AlTerek Patterson, Sergeant, Bedminster Police Department.

April 12, 2020 Francesco Scorpo, Sergeant, Paterson Police Department.

April 14, 2020 Daniel Francis, Newark Police Department.

April 16, 2020 Alex Ruperto, Union City Police Department

April 17, 2020 John Careccia, Chief, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad

April 22, 2020 Maria Gibbs, NJ Department of Corrections, Central Reception and Assignment, Trenton

EMS:  

March 2020

March 31, 2020 Israel Tolentino, Passaic Fire Department/St. Claire’s EMS** Also listed under fire department works 2 jobs.

April 2020

April 1, 2020 Reuven Maroth, Hackensack Volunteer Ambulance

April 5, 2020 Liana Sá, EMT, Watchung Rescue Squad

April 8, 2020 Kevin Leiva, EMT, North Bergen, Prime Healthcare EMS, Saint Clare’s Hospital.

April 9, 2020 Robert Tarrant, EMS Educator, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health

April 9, Frank Molinari, MD, NJSEA EMS

April 10, 2020 Terry Billington, MONOC EMS (Retired)

April 10, 2020 Solomon Donald, Trinitas EMS

April 13, 2020 Scott Geiger, Atlantic Ambulance Corp.

April 14, 2020 John Ferrarella, NJSEA EMS, retired Paterson Fire Captain and member of Wayne Fire Company No. 3** Listed 2 times multiple positions Fire and EMS.

April 15, 2020 Robert Weber, Middletown Township First Aid & Rescue, Port Monmouth Fire Company**Also listed under Fire since having 2 jobs.

April 17, 2020 John Carrecia, Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue

Medical:  

March 31, 2020 Doctor Frank Gabrin, East Orange General Hospital, and NYC.

March 31, 2020 Kim King-Smith, EKG Technician, Newark University Hospital.

Military:

March 30, 2020 Captain, Douglas Linn Hickok, NJ Army National Guard, Physician’s Assistant

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June 25, 2020

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A two car accident occurred at the intersection of Sharon Station Road and County Road 524 around 1:50 pm. The Hope Fire Company, Allentown First Aid Squad and NJ State Police responded to the scene. Upon arrival one vehicle was found on its side and the other with heavy front end damage. Luckily it appears that there were no injures in the crash. The NJ State Police is investigating the accident. No further information is available.

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January 23, 2021

Photos, video and story by: Michael Ratcliffe

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Quick work by the Trenton Fire Department this morning (Jan. 23, 2021). The fire department was alerted at about 11:17 a.m., crews from E1, E10, E9, L1, R1 and Bn1 arrived to find a working fire at the rear of the duplex at 688-690 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The “all hands” was transmitted, adding E7, L4, SS1 and Bn2 to the assignment. Multiple hoselines were stretched and the blaze was quickly brought under control.

Photos, video and story by: Michael Ratcliffe Photos, video and story by: Michael Ratcliffe

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January 18, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)— The Robbinsville Board of Education is seeking two (2) qualified candidates for membership to the Robbinsville School Board. The Board, within the powers delegated to it by law, is the policy-making legislative branch of the School District. These two positions to be filled will replace Shaina Ciaccio and Craig Heilman who resigned in December for personal reasons.

If appointed, the term will run through December 31, 2021. Both positions will be placed on the ballot for the annual election in November 2021; one for a full three-year term and the other for a one-year unexpired term.

Individuals considering applying, must meet the following qualifications:• A citizen of the United States of America• At least 18 years of age• Able to read and write• A resident of the Township of Robbinsville for at least one (1) year preceding the date of appointment• Not directly/indirectly interested in a contract with a claim against the Board• Registered to vote in the District• Not disqualified as a voter pursuant to NJSA 19:4-1

• Has not been disqualified due to the conviction of a crime or offense listed in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume by noon on February 3, 2021 to Nick Mackres Business Administrator/Board Secretary, Robbinsville Board of Education, 155 Robbinsville Edinburg Road, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 or via email: [email protected]

The Board of Education will review all qualifying applicants at the February 3rd Special Board Meeting at 5:00 p.m.

The Robbinsville Board of Education is an organization of elected citizens and residents living in the district. Once a member has been elected to the Board, they gain the right to vote on proceedings concerning the school district. The Board of Education is responsible for a wide variety of transactions and decisions that are made in the district. Robbinsville Township School District is comprised of an elementary school, middle school and high school providing services to over 3,200 students.

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December 18, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today, alongside NJ TRANSIT Board Chair and Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett, Amtrak President Stephen Gardner, Federal Railroad Administrator Ron Batory, and Parsons Corporation’s Terry Fetters, announced that NJ TRANSIT’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system has been certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as meeting the December 31, 2020 deadline for implementation. This major accomplishment comes after nearly three years of around the clock work, first to meet the interim milestone for equipment and infrastructure installation at the end of 2018, and then to achieve this certification for full implementation. When Governor Murphy took office in January of 2018, the project was at just 12% completion toward the 2018 interim goal for equipment and infrastructure installation.

“After nearly a decade of neglect and disinvestment under the previous administration, I’m thrilled that NJ TRANSIT’s PTC system will today receive certification from the Federal Railroad Administration,” said Governor Murphy. “Our commitment to meeting this deadline and ensuring the safety of every rider along NJ TRANSIT’s rail network is simply an extension of our overall commitment to delivering the world-class transportation experience that NJ TRANSIT customers deserve. As our post-COVID future takes shape in the months ahead, hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans will again turn to our rail system for their commutes and NJ TRANSIT will be ready to get them to their destinations more safely than ever.”

“The Federal Railroad Administration’s certification of NJ TRANSIT’s Positive Train Control system improves safety for our customers by using technology to reduce the risk of human error,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “It took an amazing effort by our dedicated staff to complete this system on time, and I want to thank everyone who worked so diligently to get this done.”

“We could not have been successful without the hard work and dedication of the NJ TRANSIT employees assigned to this project, which was arguably one of the most complex in the country,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “Similar to the December 2018 interim milestone, we did what many thought was impossible. In addition to our employees, I want to thank our contractors (Parsons and Alstom), FRA Administrator Ron Batory and his team for their leadership and support, our partners at Amtrak, MTA, SEPTA and the many freight railroads – all of whom were critical to our success. Most importantly, I want to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding over the last two years while we worked tirelessly to complete PTC and deliver a safer commute.”

“We’re delighted that NJ TRANSIT has been able to complete their installation of PTC and thank them for the focus and collaboration under Governor Murphy’s and CEO Kevin Corbett’s leadership over the past few years,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “It’s clear that NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak share the same commitment to safety, customer service and growth and this stands as another example of how our partnership is delivering value for the public, even in these difficult times.”

“As FRA Administrator, one of my greatest privileges has been to oversee—and stand alongside—NJ TRANSIT as it fully implemented FRA-certified and interoperable PTC systems on its network,” said Ronald Batory, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. “I salute and commend the perseverance and commitment at all levels of NJ TRANSIT’s team to meeting this important deadline.”

“Achieving this critical milestone was made possible by the combined collaboration, innovation, and determination of NJ TRANSIT, Federal Railroad Administration, Parsons and Alstom,” said Chuck Harrington, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Parsons. “The team worked tirelessly through a global pandemic to ensure the safety of New Jersey’s rail network.”

“This is good news for riders and a significant milestone for NJ TRANSIT in delivering a safe and reliable system for its customers,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate’s transit subcommittee. “Positive Train Control is a proven life-saving technology that can automatically slow down a train when its operator cannot or becomes incapacitated for any reason. Full implementation of PTC makes our rails safer and prevents tragedy.  After years of delay under the previous administration, Governor Murphy and the leadership at NJ TRANSIT deserve credit for making smart investments and prioritizing the completion of PTC installation in time to meet the federal deadline.”

“The full implementation of this life-saving technology is welcome news for the hundreds of thousands of New Jersey rail passengers who rely on safe and reliable service,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “I applaud Governor Murphy and the team at NJ TRANSIT on this significant milestone and for their commitment to passenger safety

“This has been a brutal year for New Jerseyans and for our lifeblood transit lines. So it’s welcome news that New Jersey Transit will meet the federal PTC mandate I have championed to ensure the safety of our commuters,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, who helped secure federal aid for NJT to install PTC. “Just in our region over the past several years, the Hoboken Terminal crash, the tragedy on Amtrak outside Philly, and the Metro-North derailment in Spuyten Duyvil show us the need for PTC because it can save lives. I thank  Governor Murphy and our transportation leaders for helping us meet this mandate during the pandemic. When we get our system back to full strength commuters will feel more secure in the safety of our system.”

“New Jersey Transit is one of the nation’s busiest commuter rail systems, which is why the addition of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology is so important,” said Congressman Albio Sires. “This technology, which is an automatic speed control system that has been around for decades, is instrumental to preventing tragedies. I am glad New Jersey Transit is on track to meet its mandated deadline and that the implementation of these common-sense rail safety standards are nearing completion.”

“New Jersey Transit has completed positive train control upgrades required by the Federal Railroad Administration,” said Senator Patrick Diegnan, Chair of the New Jersey State Senate Transportation Committee. “The completion of these integral upgrades will raise the level of rail safety for our riders and transit employees. These upgrades will prevent potential tragedies from occurring on our tracks.”

“Positive Train Control is a critical component of ongoing efforts to improve public transit, as this technology helps reduce train collisions, derailments and other accidents that might otherwise be caused by human error. Under Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT inherited a PTC program that was greatly behind and in danger of large fines come next year,” said Assemblyman Daniel Benson, Chairman of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. “Passenger and employee safety must and always will be the number one priority on New Jersey trains. I am pleased NJ TRANSIT has received certification from the Federal Railroad Administration for its implementation of this important technology. Congratulations to Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT CEO Kevin Corbett and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti on meeting this important milestone.”

“To have gone from the worst percentage in the nation to full compliance in less than three years while still running the railroad is a great achievement and harbinger for continued improvements to service,” said Assemblyman John McKeon. 

PTC is technology to enhance rail safety by monitoring and controlling train movements. Using Global Positioning System technology, Wi-Fi and high band radio transmission, PTC is capable of automatically controlling train speeds and movements, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to human error.

In 2008, Congress passed and the President signed the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which requires the implementation of a PTC system on all non-exempt commuter railroads, including NJ TRANSIT. In 2015, Congress extended the deadline for full implementation to December 31, 2018, but also allowed FRA to approve any railroad’s request for an alternative schedule, with a final deadline of December 31, 2020, if the railroad demonstrated it met certain statutory criteria by that 2018 interim deadline.  PTC is intended to prevent:

1. Train-to-train collisions;
2. Derailments caused by excessive speed;
3. Unauthorized train movements in work zones; and
4. Movement of trains through switches left in the wrong position.

As a new technology, PTC required design, development, prototype testing, retrofitting locomotives and cab cars, installation of 326 miles of wayside equipment including radios, transponders and poles, as well as initiating PTC testing and employee training. PTC systems feature computer-based communications and information technology designed to improve railroad safety. PTC will complement NJ TRANSIT’s existing cab signaling system and Automatic Train Control (ATC) technology.

NJ Transit’s PTC system consists of three main elements:

1. Radio transponders and other equipment onboard locomotives or cab control cars;
2. Antennas, transponders and other equipment along the railroad right-of-way (ROW); and
3. Computer servers and systems for the Rail Operations Center (ROC).

NJ TRANSIT’s rail system includes 12 commuter rail lines, most operating on tracks shared with other freight and passenger railroads. On the heavily travelled Northeast Corridor (NEC), which is owned by Amtrak, a different PTC system is in use. Although functionally similar, the various PTC systems need to communicate with one another. The coordination required to ensure interoperability with NJ TRANSIT’s five tenant railroads, including the two largest (Conrail and Norfolk Southern), added significant layers of complexity of the project.

Copies of the PTC certification letters can be found at the following links:

Letter 1

Letter 2

Letter 3

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January 17, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Chief of Police James Riccio announced that a 14 year-old juvenile has been taken into custody and charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Brick Township during the afternoon of January 16, 2021. The juvenile was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d. The juvenile is currently being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

On January 16, 2021, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the Brick Township Police Department responded to a residence in reference to a 911 call for an apparent stabbing. Responding Officers found a 38 year-old male victim with a stab wound to the right side of his abdomen. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as Mohammed Khater of Brick Township.

Due to the fact that the individual charged with these offenses is a juvenile, N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60 prohibits the release of any additional information.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Riccio are grateful for the hard work and collaborative efforts of all law enforcement personnel involved in this thorough investigation leading to the juvenile suspect’s apprehension, including officers and detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Brick Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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January 19, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced proposed changes that, if adopted, would bring more accountability to the youth justice system in New Jersey, transferring juvenile parole responsibilities to the authority of the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) and allowing parole decisions to be made by those who are most closely involved in the day-to-day rehabilitation of youth.
 

Integrating juvenile parole release authority within the JJC completes the consolidation of executive branch juvenile justice responsibilities originally envisioned when the JJC was legislatively established more than 25 years ago. The proposed rules underscore and reflect New Jersey’s commitment to maintaining a truly separate system of justice between adults and youth. And this shift also joins New Jersey with 32 other states that place release authority with the jurisdiction’s youth corrections agency. Overall, this change allows those who are most closely involved in the day-to-day progress of youth, JJC professional staff, to make and execute decisions regarding parole.
 

“With today’s proposed rules, our Juvenile Justice Commission continues to push forward towards the systemic transformation of New Jersey’s youth justice system,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Placing release responsibility entirely with the JJC and those most closely involved with our young people ensures that the focus remains on rehabilitation, personal growth, and fairness – priorities that have made New Jersey a leader in youth justice reform.”

 “Every step in the reform of New Jersey’s youth justice system has been carefully implemented to create a fair and just structure that recognizes the individual needs of youth while ensuring consistency and equity in decision-making. The standardized parole processes being put in place by the JJC incentivize prosocial behavior and engagement in rehabilitative programming and increase positive outcomes among youth,” said Jennifer LeBaron, Ph.D., Acting Executive Director of the JJC. “The core principles and data collection requirements that we are embedding in our work will allow us to measure the outcomes of these changes. While there is more work to do, the JJC, in partnership with advocates and stakeholders, is creating a system that is more equitable and transparent and that expands opportunities for growth and success among youth.”
 

The JJC has implemented a team approach to release decision-making. Staff from various disciplines directly involved with youth assess each youth’s behavior and progress and craft reports that are shared with various partners including the courts, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. These reports, as well as specific recommendations regarding parole, are also provided to a review panel authorized to make parole decisions, in order to create individualized reentry plans and to set release conditions consistent with each youth’s specific circumstances and rehabilitative goals. The panel is comprised of at least two members from the JJC and one member of the State Parole Board.
 

In order to fully implement this change, the JJC’s Executive Board voted to readopt rules with proposed amendments related to P.L.2019, c.363, signed by Governor Murphy in 2020, which transfers administrative functions related to juvenile parole from the State Parole Board to the JJC. Additionally, the law calls for principles that include utilizing objective criteria, processes, and tools to be incorporated into the juvenile justice system and specifically requires such objective processes to be used to determine the length of time a juvenile should remain in custody. This system will enhance fairness and consistency in decision-making, as youth displaying similar behaviors will receive similar parole outcomes.
 

The JJC’s Office of Juvenile Parole and Transitional Services provides supervision and support to youth once released from custody, assisting them with enrolling back into school, finding employment, and connecting with appropriate counseling and related services, in accordance with the individualized reentry plan. Youth and their families are active partners in the community reentry planning process.
 

The transformation of New Jersey’s juvenile justice system has earned the JJC national acclaim and made New Jersey a model state for youth justice reform.
 

Comprehensive reform includes:

• a reduction of approximately 80% in the use of secure detention as the result of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), a nationally recognized reform effort;
• a drop of almost 90% in the number of youth of color in the detention center population since the implementation of JDAI;
• the designation of New Jersey by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as a Model Site for other states seeking to implement statewide reform;
• a reduction of 80% in the number of Court-ordered commitments of juvenile offenders to JJC custody, resulting in the virtual elimination of reliance on incarceration with the JJC for minor offenses;
• the closure of one non-secure facility and downsized staffing at its secure facilities, with significant budget savings; and
• supporting a statewide Attorney General Directive to law enforcement to divert juveniles away from law enforcement and toward social or familial support whenever possible.

The proposed new rules, which were published in the NJ Register on December 21, 2020, are now subject to public comment.

The proposal, and information on how to submit a comment by February 19, 2021, can be found here.

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The JJC was established in 1995 to serve as the single agency of State government with centralized authority for planning, policy development, and provision of services in the juvenile justice system. The JJC is committed to implementing and promoting policies and practices that improve outcomes for young people involved with the juvenile justice system, their families, and their communities.

The JJC’s three primary responsibilities are providing care, custody, and rehabilitative services to youth committed to the agency by the courts, supervising and coordinating services for youth released from custody on parole, and supporting local efforts to provide prevention and early intervention services to at-risk and court-involved youth.

Across a continuum of care, which includes secure care facilities, residential community homes, and community-based parole and transitional services, the JJC provides programming, supports, and opportunities designed to help youth grow and thrive and to become independent, productive, and law-abiding citizens.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com